At least 12 people may have suffered from food poisoning at an El Segundo business and eight of them were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities responded to the 2100 block of East Maple Avenue around 4:15 p.m. after several people reported feeling ill. El Segundo Fire officials said 17 people were eating lunch at ManTech International Corporation when they suddenly fell ill.

Nine ambulances were called in and eight people were transported in five ambulances. Emergency personnel blocked off streets to let the ambulances through.

People were nauseous, vomiting and felt dizzy, authorities said. It was unclear where the food was from.